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"Value" and "Pinot Noir" are not often found in the same sentence. That's because Pinot is the fussy child of red wines, persnickety in the vineyard and in the cellar, making average price-points for the wines relatively high. But as today's selection of new releases demonstrates, and as George Gershwin once rhapsodized, it ain't necessarily so.
Oregon, and particularly Willamette Valley, makes some of the best and most dynamic Pinot Noirs in the country. While most come at a premium, there are still bargains to be had if you look for them. Shop carefully: Go for an Oregon-designated wine from a reliably good-quality producer, like Erath. You'll also find here several picks from Willamette Valley that over-deliver for the price, as well as from Rogue Valley, in the south of the state.
ADELSHEIM Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2017
Polished and elegantly complex, with pretty rose petal, raspberry and spiced tea flavors that glide on the long finish. Drink now through 2024. 25,300 cases made.
ARGYLE Pinot Noir Willamette Valley Grower Series 2016
Graceful and bright, with lively raspberry, cinnamon and green tea flavors that finish on a snappy note. Drink now through 2023. 39,000 cases made.
ERATH Pinot Noir Oregon 2016
Sleek and easy to sip, with floral cherry and spice flavors that linger on the long, snappy finish. Drink now through 2023. 216,015 cases made.
MAISON L'ENVOYÉ Pinot Noir Willamette Valley Two Messengers 2016
Vibrant and precise, with lively cherry and pomegranate flavors accented by green tea hints, finishing on a lively, crisp note. Drink now through 2023. 3,000 cases made.
MAYSARA Pinot Noir McMinnville Jamsheed Momtazi Vineyard 2015
Silky and approachable, with delicate raspberry, orange peel and spiced cinnamon flavors. Drink now through 2023. 4,800 cases made.
ATLAS WINE COMPANY Pinot Noir Rogue Valley Omen 2017
Vibrant and youthful, with easygoing cherry, strawberry and spice flavors. Drink now through 2022. 3,168 cases made.
CASTLE ROCK Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2017
Lively and plump, with easygoing fruit, offering raspberry and toasted spice flavors. Drink now through 2021. 7,906 cases made.
SHARECROPPER'S Pinot Noir Oregon 2017
Tart and user-friendly, with lively cherry and floral spice flavors. Drink now through 2022. 6,027 cases made.